Furniture

Our Sofa Buying Guide

Photo of white boucle sofa in a modern living room

Whether you prefer plush velvets, striking silhouettes or casual convenience, finding the perfect high-quality sofa can feel like a never-ending quest. When it comes to buying a sofa, there are endless styles, fabrics and colours to choose from.

So, to help make the task easier, we’ve put together this handy sofa-buying guide. We’ll also help you to discover how to measure a sofa and find out which style is right for your space and budget.

What to consider when buying a sofa

To ensure your new sofa fits both your lifestyle and budget, it’s important to consider both aesthetic and practical factors.

Whether you’re a social butterfly looking to create a space for entertaining or you’re a lazy Sunday lounger, one of the biggest hurdles to overcome is knowing how you plan to use your sofa. Cocktail sofas create a point of interest for formal settings, while a snug sofa bed makes the ultimate chill-out zone.

When choosing furniture, colour schemes have a big part to play. Whether you have a particular theme or you’re simply looking to revamp your living room, matching your sofa to surrounding features is key. Will it blend in with your other pieces of furniture, or stand out like a sore thumb?

If you’re starting from scratch, make sure you take a look at our paint and wallpaper ranges to bring your interior dreams to life.

Another top tip is to consider how easy your sofa’s fabric is to clean – use a cordless vacuum cleaner and an upholstery brush to refresh your sofa fabric and seat cushions. For those of you with leather sofas, you can find specialised cleaners to help with any stubborn stains.

photograph of four sofas in the colours pink, green, grey and white

How to measure a sofa

Whatever your sofa style, it must fit proportionally to surrounding features and not overwhelm the space.

  • Using a tape measure, begin with the width. Measuring the sofa from arm to arm will give you the most accurate view.
  • Next, measure the height of the back of the sofa. Ensure you measure from the top of the back cushions down to the floor.
  • Depth is another key measurement to take, beginning from the outside edge of the seat to the very back.

To avoid blocking any entrances or exists, be sure to also measure any hallways, staircases and doorways to ensure your sofa can fit through and is easily transportable. Account for any potential obstacles, such as radiators or shelving – we don’t want any sofa arms or legs getting stuck!

Types of sofas

Sofas

They’re the staple of any room and have an undeniable effect on the mood and ambience of a room. We know how essential sofas are for a home’s décor, so rest assured we boast a wide range to fit your fancy. Whether you’re looking for a two-seater sofa or a three-seater sofa, or you’re hung up on upholstery, we have boucle, fabric, velvet options to take your fancy, all available in a rich assortment of colours.

If you’re into a look that’s truly luxurious, a leather sofa is the solution. Our faux leather sofas will help you achieve that timeless and classic style without breaking the bank.

Sofa in a Box

Removing the hard work from flat pack furniture, our Sofa in a Box range brings you top quality, statement designs without the hassle – simply unpack, assemble and enjoy! Plus, our new range of self-assembly sofas are super easy to transport through narrow doors – ensuring a quick, convenient and calm set-up.

So, whether you’re re-designing your living room or moving into your first home, we have three gorgeous self-assembly sofa designs to explore. With colour options ranging from enchanting emerald greens to playful pinks and sophisticated greys, discover the perfect match for your home décor.

Sofa beds

A great solution for smaller interiors such as studio apartments or box rooms, sofa beds are both versatile and practical – utilising the available space and saving on money.

Transform your living space into the ultimate guest bedroom in minutes with a foldable sofa bed – the wider cushions can be used as pillows for extra convenience. To double up on style and functionality and ensure a smooth transition from day to night, why not store extra duvets and throws in a boucle ottoman?

Chaise longues

The last word in living room opulence: the chaise longue. If your space is calling out for a stylish statement that doesn’t dominate the room, the chaise longue is the sofa for you. Whether you want to recline with a book, or sprawl across it with a snack, chaise longues are a versatile and effortlessly chic option.

Cocktail sofas

Perfectly balancing sophisticated style with comfort, cocktail sofas are a great statement piece for formal front rooms or to elevate a guest bedroom. The ultimate must-have home accessory, they introduce an air of opulence to any space and make great conversation starters.

Whether you opt for a romantic dark blush shade with intricate stitch detailing or make a statement with a bright mustard, our cocktail sofas are available in a range of trendy silhouettes.

Accent chairs

Ideal for smaller spaces, such as hallways and home offices, accent chairs are the perfect option for fitting snugly in a corner due to their compact size. If your space needs a pop of colour or a cosy finishing touch, accent chairs are a fun and useful addition. You can always pair it with a matching footstool in a complementary fabric for an extra touch of luxury!

And that’s our sofa buying guide! Don’t forget to explore our Ideas & Advice Hub for more design inspiration and DIY projects for your home.



Homebase

Homebase

Writer and expert